The use of thin layer chromatography for analysing the molecular heterogeneity of propylene oxide-ethylene oxide copolymers

A study was made of the molecular heterogeneity of polyethers, propylene oxide-ethylene oxide copolymers. Thin layer chromatography using silica gel was applied. Separation is based on the difference in adsorption interaction of hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl units in the molecule. Four solvent systems were selected to separate both homopolymers of propylene oxide and copolymers with broad distribution according to composition. It was found possible to use thin layer chromatography to determine the composition and structure of copolymers.